Acer Spin 5 Review: The 2-in-1 That Spins, But Does It Win?
Hello, tech aficionados and casual gamers! 🎧 Ever wondered if a laptop could juggle work, play, and everything in between? Enter the Acer Spin 5—a 2-in-1 convertible that promises versatility and performance. But does it deliver on all fronts? Let's dive deep and find out! 🕵️♂️
🧱 Materials & Durability – 7.5/10
The Acer Spin 5 boasts a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis, giving it a premium feel. It's lightweight and portable, making it ideal for professionals on the move. However, while it feels sturdy, it doesn't quite match the robustness of some competitors.
"The Spin 5 feels comfortable to use with daily tasks. The grippy exterior and solid construction help when grabbing it and when you’ll throw it in a backpack." – Ultrabook Review
⌨️ Keyboard & Trackpad – 7/10
Typing on the backlit keyboard is a pleasant experience, with keys offering decent travel. However, the trackpad has been reported to occasionally stop working, which can be frustrating.
"The touchpad will stop working when I log in, it doesn't happen all the time but frequently." – Acer Community
🔗 Hinges & Portability – 8/10
The 360-degree hinge allows for seamless transitions between laptop, tablet, and tent modes. Weighing around 1.2 kg, it's easy to carry around. The hinge feels sturdy, ensuring the screen stays in place during use.
"The hinge allows the display of the laptop to fully rotate, enabling additional stand and tent tablet modes." – Laptoping
🎨 Aesthetics – 7.5/10
The Spin 5 sports a sleek design with a minimalist aesthetic. The 3:2 aspect ratio display gives it a unique look. However, the bezels are a bit thick, which detracts from the overall modern feel.
"The 3:2 screen adds more vertical space." – Gagadget
🔌 Ports – 7/10
The device offers a decent selection of ports, including two USB-C Thunderbolt ports, one USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. However, the absence of an Ethernet port might be a drawback for some users.
"Most of the ports on our Acer Spin 5 review unit are on the left side of the machine: there’s a pair of USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) ports, an HDMI port, a USB-A port, and the 3.5mm audio jack." – Tom's Guide
🧠 CPU & GPU Performance – 6.5/10
Powered by an Intel® Core™ i5-1035G4 and integrated Intel® Iris® Plus Graphics, the Spin 5 handles everyday tasks smoothly. However, it's not designed for heavy gaming or intensive graphic tasks.
"The Acer Spin 5 is undoubtedly a powerful hybrid machine — it blew its fellow 2-in-1 competitors out of the water when it comes to display quality, overall performance and graphics." – Notebookcheck
🌡️ Thermals & Noise – 6.5/10
The device runs relatively cool during standard operations. However, the fan noise can be noticeable, especially during intensive tasks.
"I have new Spin 5 and the fan is almost constantly on even when just browsing or having opened word." – Acer Community
🔋 Battery Life – 6.5/10
While Acer claims up to 15 hours of battery life, real-world usage tells a different story. Users have reported getting around 4.5 hours, which is below average for a device in this category.
"I cannot use the laptop for more than about 4.5h, even with battery saver on." – Acer Community
🖥️ Display – 8.5/10
The 13.5" 2K IPS display with a 3:2 aspect ratio is vibrant and sharp, making it ideal for productivity tasks. The touch responsiveness is excellent, and the included stylus adds to its versatility.
"It has an excellent quality 13.5-inch IPS display with an unusual ratio of 3:2, which is great for working with documents, tables, sites." – Gagadget
🔊 Audio – 6/10
The stereo speakers are adequate for video calls and casual media consumption. However, they lack depth and bass, making them less ideal for immersive audio experiences.
"The Spin 5 serves up a pretty beefy Dolby Audio speaker, housed just above the keyboard." – Trusted Reviews
📊 Average Score: 7.1/10
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Materials & Durability | 7.5 |
| Keyboard & Trackpad | 7 |
| Hinges & Portability | 8 |
| Aesthetics | 7.5 |
| Ports | 7 |
| CPU & GPU Performance | 6.5 |
| Thermals & Noise | 6.5 |
| Battery Life | 6.5 |
| Display | 8.5 |
| Audio | 6 |
| Average | 7.1 |
🛒 Final Verdict
The Acer Spin 5 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that excels in display quality and portability. It's well-suited for professionals and students who need a device for everyday tasks. However, its battery life and thermal performance leave room for improvement. If you're seeking a reliable work laptop with occasional light gaming, the Spin 5 might suffice. But for dedicated gaming or creative tasks, exploring other options would be wise.